Veteran’s Day 2009 | Honoring James Louis Howell

Reprinting the obituary for my grandfather. Published by The Ledger May 2, 2009

James Louis Howell, 87, loving husband and father, decorated war veteran of the United States Army, and ordained preacher, went to be with the Lord on April 29 due to heart failure.

His family will receive friends on Saturday, May 2 at the Lakeland Funeral Home with an 11 a.m. visitation, followed by an interment at the Oak Hill Burial Park.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, on May 16, 1921, Rev. Howell moved to Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 3. In 10th grade a bright young James had to leave school, and a potential college scholarship, in order to care for his ailing mother.

Rev. Howell proudly served in the 89th signal Company of the US. Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. He was one of the first troops to tour the concentration camps in Germany after they were liberated. He said that he would never forget the atrocities that he saw there. The photographs and experiences he obtained there stayed with him for a lifetime and deeply affected his faith. Among his many memories of the war was a rare visit to the private estate of Adolf Hitler, after the dictator’s death, where he viewed the many countries Hitler could see from a picture window of the home and had vowed one day to conquer. Rev. Howell’s war medals include the Victory Metal and the Bronze Star. It was during his time in the service that he first felt the call to go into the ministry.

Upon returning from the war, he married his lovely wife, Madge, a resident of Maud, Texas; on his birthday in 1948. He then settled into the position of Postmaster in Eaton Park, Florida. He held the position for 38 years. During that time he began courses through the Baptist Bible Institute. The couple had five children and celebrated nearly 61 years together.

In January, 1958, Rev. Howell was ordained a Baptist minister, serving mainly as an interim minister for 50 years, including positions at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Polk City and Dixieland Baptist Church in Lakeland. Highlights of serving the Lord in this capacity include a missionary trip to India where he traveled from village to village preaching the word of the Lord and baptized 125 people. He also had the opportunity to twice open sessions of the Florida Senate in prayer.

Horticulture was a big part of Rev. Howell’s life and became a lifelong hobby.

Rev. Howell was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Francis Howell, his brother, Robert C Howell and his daughter-in-law, Kathy Howell. He is survived by his wife, Madge Howell of Lakeland, his children James Louis Howell (Cindy), Robert B. Howell, William David Howell, Cynthia Bates (Virgil), and Deborah K. Howell, all of Lakeland; his sister, Mary Black of Lakeland; his brother Frank Howell of Auburndale; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to: First Baptist Church School, #1251 Fector -44B, Chan-digarh, India 160047.